The Discipline of Following

Did you know that the word "discipline" comes from the same Latin root as "disciple"? Both stem from "discipulus," meaning learner or student. When we think about Jesus' twelve followers, we often picture their miraculous experiences or martyrdom. But following Christ required tremendous commitment from them. They abandoned careers, families, and comfortable routines to embrace a completely new way of living. Peter left his fishing business, Matthew walked away from his profitable tax collecting, and all of them committed to the daily challenge of learning from their Master. Being a disciple wasn't casual or convenient. It meant making consistent choices to follow Christ's teachings, even when it was difficult.

Scripture tells us in Hebrews 12:6-7 that "the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives. It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons." This reveals something beautiful about divine love. Our Father doesn't correct us because He's angry or enjoys watching us struggle. He guides us because He wants us to become the people He created us to be. As parents, we reflect this same heart when we guide our children. We don't set boundaries or correct behaviour because we like being strict. We do it because we love them and want them to grow into good members of society. Just as Our Father shapes us through loving correction, we have the responsibility to guide our children with patient, consistent care. It's about formation, not punishment.

This transforms how we approach spiritual growth, parenting, and mentoring. Structure becomes less about rigid rules and more about building healthy habits that draw us closer to the Lord and help others flourish. For ourselves, it might mean praying regularly even when we don't feel like it, choosing patience over frustration, or working with integrity as an act of worship. For those under our charge, loving guidance means teaching honesty, kindness, and responsibility through consistent direction rather than harsh consequences. When we embrace being shaped as disciples, we're not just following orders. We're allowing the same love that formed the apostles to transform us, trusting that His gentle correction leads us toward the people He dreams we can become.